St Mary’s CBGS Belfast provided the venue for Saturday’s Coaching workshop with former Waterford Senior Hurling manager Derek McGrath. An audience of some of our county’s finest coaches gathered in the lecture theatre as Derek prepared to give his presentation on: ‘Building a game plan’. Derek then brought his theory to the pitch for a demonstration coaching session with Antrim Under 16 Hurlers, who are preparing for the Celtic Challenge starting in a few weeks’ time. The coaches in attendance were fascinated by the coaching methods and insights shown by the vastly experienced Déise native. One of the coaches commented afterwards: ‘Fifth time watching Derek McGrath deliver a coaching session. Always brings something new. Thanks to @Gaelfast_GAA for organising.’ Most people in attendance would agree.
Following a series of skill development activities and game based coaching exercises in the glistening sun, Derek invited the players to come down into the lecture theatre for the debrief along with the coaches in attendance. This intimate discussion allowed the players and coaches to ask Derek questions, which he was only too happy to answer. Discussion ranged from planning and organising a coaching session to managing a squad of high-performance athletes, under 8s in his own club and his work on helping players dealing with addiction and other problems outside of Hurling. A truly fascinating experience for all those in attendance, many thanks to Derek for coming up and supporting our coaching development, we look forward to seeing you again!
Next up in our series of coach education workshops is our webinar on:
BUILDING ON SUCCESS IN LOCAL SPORT WITH PROFESSOR DAMIAN HUGHES FROM THE HIGH-PERFORMANCE PODCAST ON 28TH MARCH 2022 AT 7.30PM
We are delighted to announce that through the Stadium Community Benefits Initiative (SCBI) we will be holding the following webinar. Damian is world renowned having worked at the highest level of sport and it is of no doubt it will be an unmissable session for all, so please save the date and add the link to join the Zoom webinar. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please share this link with anyone you think would find this session of interest as we want as large an attendance as possible.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89003556169?pwd=MHdHRlhwWm41N3VjV2VXRzhRQys0QT09